FUEL THEFTS With the price of fuel so high, this type of crime appears to be on the increase; not only from commercial premises but also from homes and private vehicles. By implementing some simple measures you can help to minimise the theft risk.

Heating Oil Security

• Move it - If the tank is located away from the house, if possible move it closer where you can keep a better eye on it.

• Screen it - If the tank can be seen from the road, screen it with fencing or hedging.

• Cage it - Consider building a metal cage around it with a secure entrance gate.

• Alarm it - Consider installing an oil tank alarm.

• Hide pipe work - Reduce locations that it can be attacked and hide external pipe work.

• Cut the power supply - Ensure that any electrical control boxes or switches are in a secure environment (in your house if possible).

• Invest in good lighting - Fit movement activated lighting. Consider one that activates a buzzer in the house as it switches on. Adjust sensitivity to prevent false alarms.

• Check your home insurance - Ensure that your home insurance covers you for the loss/theft of your heating oil.

Vehicle Security

On the Driveway

• If possible, garage your car. Many people fill their garage with junk and leave their expensive car on the driveway.

• Modern cars cannot be taken without the keys. Thieves will sometimes burgle houses to get them, so do not leave them lying around.

• If you have a van, reverse it up to a wall to deter theft of its contents.

• Always remove valuables and lock your car even if it's kept in the garage.

Thefts from motor vehicles - remember a thief will not know what is in that bag on the back seat, he only finds it is your recently worn gym gear after he has broken into the car and caused damage - leave no attractions visible within the car.

With expensive cars consider a tracking system that utilises RF, GSM and GPRS frequencies, consider "Geo-fencing" when not in use.

Advertising scams: If you run a local business, be alert for cold-calls asking you to advertise in crime prevention, community safety or emergency services magazines. These calls generally pop-up towards the end of the financial year. The caller will claim to be from the police or "working with the police" to produce their magazine, which is untrue.

In some cases there will be an end product, but the circulation will be small and limited to the north of England, from where these firms usually originate. Under no circumstances should you agree to see a proof of your ad, because they will take that as a confirmation of order and chase you unmercifully for payment, even if you didn't actually agree to an order.

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Any Crime prevention advice given on this site is given in good faith, based upon accepted practises. It does not guarantee that you wont be a victim of crime, but merely suggests measures that might deter criminal activity. No contact, either express or implied, has been entered into between you and any NhW scheme, group, association, or supporting partnerships.

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so why not get involved now, and make Uttlesford an even nicer place to live.

CONTACTING THE POLICE

In an emergency, - i.e. if you need an immediate police response - please dial999.

For all non-emergency calls or to contact your local police station, please use the new Non-Emergency Number (shown below) and ask for the police station you require, or input the extension if you know it. 101